New Feature Exhibition in October September 13 2024
The Colors of Serenity:
Paintings by Stephen Bach
On Exhibit: October 5 - November 30, 2024
Opening Reception: Saturday, October 5, 4-7 PM
Artists Talk: Friday, October 25, 11 AM
About the Exhibition:
Central Florida oil painter Stephen Bach is known for his realistic paintings that capture the serenity of the landscape while pushing the effects of color and light. For his second solo exhibition at Arts on Douglas, Bach explores the tranquility of Florida’s waterways and coastal areas. Inspired by the play of atmospheric light and the healing qualities of nature, Bach elegantly captures the emotional and sensory qualities of Florida’s natural spaces: from billowing clouds to breaking waves.
Visiting these spaces encourages contemplation and relaxation for Bach, and this is reflected in the meditative mood of his paintings. The ocean provides a particularly strong connection for him and is a subject he revisits often. Bach explains, “The sea is unaware of our worries, our shortcomings, our fears. It just comes. No matter the kind of day we had, who has been born or lost, it eternally comes. Like the rest of nature, it brings constant equilibrium. It is rhythmic and reassuring.”
It is Bach’s hope that through his paintings, viewers can reflect on their own experiences in nature and share in his appreciation of the Florida landscape.
About the Artist
Stephen Bach was born in Cincinnati, OH and raised in Orlando, FL. He majored in painting and illustration at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY. He spent 8 years as an illustrator before working as a designer and mural painter with General Mills/Darden Restaurants. In his 15 years with Darden, he designed restaurant interior paint themes and completed 1500 wall murals in more than 500 Olive Garden Restaurants nationwide.
Since 2000, Bach has been working as a studio painter, primarily creating atmospheric sky and tonal landscapes. His works have been shown at leading art festivals throughout the US including the St. Louis Art Fair, MO; the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, CO; the Old Town Art Fair in Chicago, IL; the Sausalito Festival of the Arts, CA; and the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival, FL; among others. He currently works out of McRae Art Studios in Orlando, along with his wife Susan, a ceramic artist.
Image at top of page: Incoming by Stephen Bach
Image above: Mirrored Light by Stephen Bach